Mexican National Charged with Unlawful Entry

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Juan De Dios Tena-Granados, 39, of Mexico, has been charged by criminal complaint with entering the United States at a place or time other than as designated by immigration authorities.

On May 27, 2025, Tena-Granados appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, pleaded guilty, and received a time-served sentence. According to court documents, U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehended Tena-Granados after he was observed walking southbound in an area of Highgate, Vermont, that is frequently traveled by persons attempting to enter the United States illegally from Canada. During a post-arrest interview, Tena-Granados admitted to entering the country illegally.

Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Border Patrol.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Arra. Tena-Granados is represented by William A. Vasiliou II , Esq.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).